Windsor high school makes gains in TCAP tests

School celebrates results with ice cream party

Aug. 22, 2013

Written by

Windsor High School saw its highest TCAP scores in six years in most subject areas, making double-digit gains in five of the seven standardized test categories last year.

“We’re flying high, feeling pretty good about our results,” Windsor High School Principal Michelle Scallon said Wednesday afternoon, right before she surprised students with a celebration in the school’s courtyard.

Students were told to report to the courtyard for a “student meeting” and were surprised with 1,500 ice cream sandwiches, Windsor-Severance fire engines and music playing while Scallon announced the results over a bullhorn.

“Our motto last year kind of getting ready for this was, ‘Wizards are champions on the court and in the classroom,’ ” Scallon said. “And so we want to make sure we reinforce that.”

“This information helps us determine what interventions, programs and classroom experiences are working for students,” Heinsma said in a news release.

Overall, the ninth and 10th graders tested at WHS showed improvement or no change in reading and writing. Sophomores saw positive results in math and science, while ninth-grade math was the only area that revealed a dip in scores compared to the year before.

“Last year’s ninth and 10th graders made significant gains on the state assessments,” Weld RE-4 Superintendent Karen Trusler said. “Congratulations are in order to these students and everyone involved at Windsor High School. It was a collaborative effort among students, staff and parents.”

Scallon said WHS teachers received new T-shirts this year that say “Making a difference every day.”

“That kind of is our theme, and I want to continue that — let our teachers know that they are making a difference to the kids,” she added.

The TCAP scores were initially released to Scallon a couple of weeks ago, and she was finally allowed to tell teachers the news recently.